The loss of PD Bear has been felt keenly within the wider police dog community.

In a tweet that has been ‘liked’ more than 2,000 times, the Gloucestershire police dog section said: “We are very sad to announce that Retired PD Bear passed peacefully over rainbow bridge last night.

“His retired handler Geoff was by his side to kiss him goodbye.

“He enjoyed his retirement to the full. R.I.P. Bear thank you for your service."

Sgt Blindell had joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as a civilian control room operator in 1992 after a career in the Royal Navy, and seven years later became a regular police officer.

Initially stationed at Barton Street, Gloucester he moved to Cheltenham and Tewkesbury when he was promoted to Operations Sergeant in 2008.

In April 2011 he was appointed Dog Section Sergeant and, with his first dog Bolt, qualified at the end of that year.

But the two were not to be together very long and in 2012 Geoff found himself in need of a new dog.

He was asked to consider a rescue dog which was being looked after by a family in Barnstaple so went to have a look.

The family was struggling to cope with the dog because he was too wilful, but Geoff loved him straight away and his partnership with Bear began.

Sergeant Geoff Blindell and Bear (Image: Twitter @PD1179BEAR)

Chief Constable Rod Hansen said at the time of their retirement: "The bond [Geoff and Bear] share sees them not only on vital operational response work such as searching for missing people, or tracking down criminals and helping to manage crowds but also, just as importantly, community engagement work as part of a fundamental element of our service - neighbourhood policing.

"Geoff has been excellent at community engagement throughout his career but even more so since his partnership with Bear.

"They have visited many schools and care homes bringing joy to everyone they meet, young and old."

Here are some of the tributes that have been paid on social media.

Earlier this week, we reported how the police dog section continues to help capture suspects and keep Gloucestershire safe.

Police Dogs Marlow and Bisto were involved in a number of incidents on Saturday and Sunday and their involvement has been praised by Gloucestershire police.

These are the three key incidents PD Marlow helped a two-legged officer with:

Police Dogs Marlow and Bisto (Image: Gloucestershire police)

Catching three teenagers trespassing on a building site

Helping arrest a suspected burglar in the grounds of Go Outdoors, Barton Street

Tracking and arresting two suspects trying to steal a car

Plus PD Bisto also got involved in carrying out a drugs search

A tweet showcasing the pair’s work was liked more than 700 times and received dozens of supportive comments.

Typical comments included: “Fantastic work”, “What would we do without you Team Marlow, be safe”, “Brilliant pawlicing guys. Heads down and have a good sleep. Stay safe out there” and “Clever lovely dogs.”